Urban beach proposed at Bellevue Park

Ward 5 Coun. Matthew Scott and his Ward 1 colleague Sonny Spina will ask city council next week to consider adding a municipal beach at Bellevue Park.

"Urban beaches offer an accessible space that simulate a public beachfront through the utilization of sand, beach, volleyball courts and other related features," the councillors say.

The following is the full text of their resolution to be presented to city council on Monday.

The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.

SooToday readers are asked to note that council has changed the time of its meetings. They no longer take place at 4:30 p.m.

Bellevue Park urban beach

Mover: Councillor M. Scott
Seconder: Councillor S. Spina

Whereas Bellevue Park is Sault Ste. Marie’s signature park, with 17 hectares of green space and numerous features for residents to enjoy, including passive and active recreational offerings, picturesque landscapes and access to the John Rowswell Hub Trail; and

Whereas building on successful existing attractions by expanding the offerings at those attractions is a driver of even greater activity, and capitalizes on existing infrastructure for the most efficient delivery of municipal services; and

Whereas studies have shown that investing in recreation has significant economic benefits; and 

Whereas there is currently no beach in the urban core of Sault Ste. Marie, and the concept of urban beaches has proven successful in communities across the world, with benefits for residents and tourists; and

Whereas urban beaches offer an accessible space that simulate a public beachfront through the utilization of sand, beach, volleyball courts and other related features; and

Whereas Sault Ste. Marie’s activated waterfront is the result of public investment, environmental remediation and a long-term vision for a people-focused waterfront;

Now therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to report on the feasibility, steps required, location and potential costs to develop an urban beach at Bellevue Park.